Normative Performance for the Emory Complex Figure Scoring System and Recognition Task

This study establishes normative data for the Emory Complex Figure-Loring Scoring (CF-LS) and Recognition task, a streamlined alternative to traditional CF measures designed to improve clinical efficiency and utility. Using a large healthy adult sample, we provide regression-based, demographically adjusted norms to support accurate interpretation in clinical and research settings.

The sample included 398 cognitively healthy adults from the Emory Healthy Brain Study. Participants completed the Rey CF using the Emory CF-LS system, which scores 10 core elements for accuracy and location across non-recognition conditions. These 10 core elements are included in a 4-choice recognition task. Regression models incorporating age, education, and race were used to generate scaled scores and stanines for each non-copy condition.

Copy scores showed ceiling effects, with 72.1% achieving a perfect score, whereas Recall and Recognition scores were more normally distributed. Immediate and Delayed were highly correlated (r = .92), and both were strongly associated with Recognition (r range = .70-.71). Age, education, and race significantly predicted performance, informing the development of demographically adjusted normative data.

This report provides regression-based norms for the Emory CF-LS system and Recognition task, offering both scaled scores and stanines to support flexible interpretation. By quantifying the predicted relationship between recall and recognition, the study introduces a practical formal method for detecting retrieval inefficiency. Although the sample is limited by high educational attainment and a narrow age range, findings support broader use of the Emory CF-LS and recognition in cognitive assessment.